Did Bill Gates Buy A $60M Castle In Northern Italy To Turn Into Luxury Resort? Here's What The Billionaire Has To Say

Reports have been flying around about Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates’ involvement in a potential multimillion-dollar real estate acquisition in Northern Italy, leaving many curious about the billionaire’s plans for the historic property. 

Now, Gates’ spokesperson has addressed these speculations, shedding light on the situation.

What Happened: An Italian newspaper ignited a wave of interest when it reported that Gates had purchased Villa San Giorgio, a renowned castle-like property in Italy’s Liguria region, for a staggering $60 million. 

According to the local publication, Gates intended to transform this historical gem into a luxurious resort.

However, a spokesperson for Cascade Asset Management Company, responsible for managing Gates’s wealth, has refuted these reports, stating, “Bill Gates did not purchase Villa San Giorgio, the sea-view building in Portofino nicknamed the ‘Castle,'” reported Robb Report (via ANSA).  

See Also: Bill Gates’ Daughter’s Dazzling Sheer Gown Steals Spotlight At George Clooney’s Albie Awards

Villa San Giorgio, also known as Portofino Castle, has a rich history, reportedly used for military defense during Roman times due to its strategically elevated location. 

Over the years, it transformed into the luxury villa it is today, boasting a sprawling 12,917 square feet and even an elevator providing direct access to the beach.

While the spokesperson has dismissed the claims, it’s worth noting that Gates has added Italian properties to his impressive real estate portfolio. 

In 2021, his private equity firm secured a majority stake in the Four Seasons Hotel chain, subsequently winning a contract to establish a new six-star resort in Rome, enhancing his footprint in the luxury hospitality sector.

Why It’s Important: It is worth noting that wealthy individuals inhabit extravagant mansion-castles in the world’s elite neighborhoods, outshining even royal residences. 

Gates’ opulent “Xanadu 2.0,” a $125 million masterpiece, boasts Caribbean sand, renowned art, a salmon-filled stream, and a trampoline room. Meanwhile, George Clooney’s $100 million “Villa Oleandra” in Laglio, Italy, stands as one of the costliest celebrity abodes, exuding charm on Lake Como’s shores.

Check out more of Benzinga’s Consumer Tech coverage by following this link.

Read Next: Can Popcorn Make Math Interesting? Bill Gates Shares Insights From A One-Of-A-Kind Middle School Class

Photo by Frederic Legrand – COMEO on Shutterstock